Make Protecting Your Privacy Your 2014 New Year's Resolution!

Privacy has
been a hot topic in 2013, and the New Year presents a perfect opportunity to
examine how we protect our personal information and resolve to do better. Privacy Rights Clearinghouse poses ten questions
to help you manage your privacy in the coming year.

1. Are your computers and mobile devices
properly secured? Whether you received a new device as a
holiday gift, or will be using an existing device, security should be a top
priority! Make sure your operating system, software, and anti-malware
programs are up to date. Password-protect
your mobile devices and use the security lockout feature so that the device automatically
locks after a certain amount of time not in use. Consider using software that can remotely
disable and erase a lost mobile device. Learn more by reading PRC Fact Sheet 2b: Privacy
in the Age of the Smartphone and PRC Fact Sheet 38: Securing Your Computer to Maintain
Your Privacy.

2.
Do you know your apps?
Every time you allow a third-party
application to access your device, you risk exposing your personal information.
Reputable apps will have a privacy
policy available for you to read. The policy should explain what data is being
collected about you and how it will be stored, used and shared. Make sure you
agree with it before you install the app. Even a seemingly harmless app can collect much
more information than you might guess.
Recently, a popular flashlight app was
found to have provided location information and device ID numbers to
advertising networks and other third parties.
Learn more by reading PRC Fact Sheet 2b: Privacy
in the Age of the Smartphone and PRC Fact Sheet 39 Mobile Health and Fitness Apps: What
Are the Privacy Risks?

3. Are
you following good password practices ? Never use the
same password for multiple accounts. Instead, use strong passwords (with a
combination of lower and upper case letters, numbers, and special characters) that
are unique to each account. This is particularly important for your most
sensitive online accounts (for example, your banking, email, and social
networking accounts). Use a reputable password manager to track numerous
passwords. Also, when you have the option, consider using two (or multi)-factor
authentication.

Remember that
password reset features may offer an easy opportunity to compromise your
password. Be cautious when you choose any
security questions and answers that will be used to authenticate you if you forget
your password. Many times, answers to
these questions (such as a pet’s name or where you went to high school) can be
ascertained by others through social networking or other simple research
tools. Learn more by reading 10 Rules for Creating a
Hacker-Resistant Password.

4.
Do you practice safe social networking?
Many of us provide large amounts
of personal information, including birth dates, photos, phone numbers, and more
to Facebook and other social networking sites. Not only is this information a
gold mine for marketers, identity thieves and other unscrupulous individuals,
but it may also be used against you by current and future employers. Take control of your privacy settings. Choose
“Friends Only” for all of your settings, unless you are sure it is information
you wouldn’t mind being public. Learn
more by reading PRC Fact Sheet 35: Social Networking Privacy: How to be
Safe, Secure and Social.

5.
Have you checked your credit reports recently? You are entitled to one free credit report
per year from each of the three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and
TransUnion. If you order one report
every four months, you can monitor your credit reports on an ongoing basis and
help catch identity theft and errors.
Learn more by reading PRC Fact Sheet 6:
How Private Is My Credit Report?

6.
Have you checked your consumer specialty reports?
You have the right to free copies of numerous specialty consumer reports
which report on such matters as your medical conditions, insurance claims,
check-writing history, rental history, and employment history. Knowing what’s on them can be useful before
applying for a new job, insurance, an apartment rental, or a bank account. Learn
more by reading PRC Fact Sheet 6b: "Other" Consumer Reports:
What You Should Know about "Specialty" Reports.

7.
Do you safeguard your Social Security number (SSN)? Keep your Social Security card and other
documents that contain your SSN in a safe and secure location. Push back when
companies ask for your SSN. Ask them to explain their authority for requiring
it, and what the consequences are if you do not provide it. Check your
Social Security Earnings Statement
for any signs of fraud. Look for
earnings that exceed the amount you earned. It could be a sign that someone is
using your SSN for employment. Learn
more by reading PRC Fact Sheet 10: My Social Security Number - How Secure
Is It?

9.
Do you still use a debit card? It’s best to avoid using debit or check
cards. Credit cards provide better
consumer protections, and help to protect your bank account from fraudulent
activity. A compromised debit card can result in a loss
of funds from your checking account for two weeks or longer. Learn more by reading PRC Fact Sheet 32: Paper or Plastic: What Have You Got to
Lose?

10.
Are you being assertive in guarding your privacy?
When you are asked to provide sensitive information that you do not feel
is necessary, ask whether providing the information is required or voluntary,
how the information will be used, who will have access to the information, and
how it will be protected from unauthorized access. Learn more about your privacy rights by
consulting our many fact sheets at https://www.privacyrights.org/Privacy-Rights-Fact-Sheets

By asking yourself
these questions and taking action now, you will be well on your way to
protecting your privacy in the year ahead. And if you have a question or
complaint, visit our Online
Complaint Center to contact us.